We are witnessing the recent spurt of innovative technologies utilized in every field of life, but this adroit yet advanced conception does stand out from the rest. This is basically the first bike in the world to be created by printing it out on a computer, using a new form of cutting-edge technology.
Some scientists of European Aeronautic Defense and Space group in Filton, near Bristol, conceptualized the bike on a computer and had it sent to a printer. The printer in turn composed the whole form of the bike by fusing melted nylon powder layer upon layer by a laser beam. Hence, the result was a lightweight bike (65 percent less weight than conventional ones) made entirely of nylon, yet as sturdy as steel or aluminum!
Important bike components like gears, pedals and wheels are prefabricated at different installations. Internal parts like wheels, axles and bearing are “integrated” into the bike by a process called Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM). Moreover, according to the designers, this bike production process only utilizes one-tenth of the material required in conventional methods.
Touted to be used in advanced applications such as aerospace, motor industry and engineering, this bike can surely be expected to change the course of future bike production techniques, and that too in an efficient and low-cost manner. Lead engineer, Andy Hawkins said:
The possibilities with ALM are huge – it’s a game-changing technology. The beauty is that complex designs do not cost any extra to produce. The laser can draw any shape you like.
Image Source: All images are courtesy of Solent
Source: DailyMail